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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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Help On Replacing Subwoofers in 2011 328 base system.
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08-06-2017, 10:03 PM | #1 |
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As mentioned in the title I have the base audio system in my 2011 328i. Ever Since I got my car last year, I have always found my subwoofers to be lacking and the left one would rumble way too much and distort and the right sub wouldn't even work at all lol. However, I'm pretty new to all this audio stuff so when I went into an audio shop and tried to explain the problem, I told them my speakers were blown . I know , I know bonk: but I had no idea that I had underseat subwoofers and thought all the bass came from the speakers. So the shop replaced the front left and right door panel speakers to kickers and installed kicker tweeters, I wouldn't be able to tell you the exact model. While the speakers sound nice, it still left me with the subwoofer problem and I found it too expensive to go back to that shop, so now I want to install them myself and save a bit of money but I'm new to this and have a lot of questions and was looking for as much help possible.
I was thinking about getting the Bav Sound Ghost subs because it stated they don't require a complex amp ( I don't even have an amp being that mine is the base package), it doubles the bass, comes with a 100 day money back trial and a 4 year warranty. However they are $450 https://www.bavsound.com/BMW-Underse...oofer-Upgrades Another option I was looking into was the Earthquwake sound SWs which are $116 each or $232 for the pair. They come with a 30 day money back guarantee but I hear that these will sounds like the stock subs unless you have an amp. http://www.thewireszone.com/p-4693-e...SABEgIyN_D_BwE This is where i really get confused. I don't really know much about amps except that they range from 100 to several thousand dollars.and there's so many types of amps and different clases and different channels it gets really confusing for a beginner like me. Oh and I also found these JBL subs that are supposed to come with an integrated amp. However, even though they are 8", idk if it can be used as underseats or if they'll fit http://www.bestbuy.com/site/jbl-bass...?skuId=4392900 I apologize for my lack of knowlege on this and thank you for taking the time to help me out. |
08-07-2017, 12:23 PM | #3 |
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Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and getting all those links! I've been going over them and looking at the pricing, trying to get a pretty close estimate of what the total cost would be and I got these numbers:
Rocky's Set Up (PDF): •JL Audio XD 600 Class D AMP: $399.99 •JL Audio Clean Sweep: $199.95 •Earthquake SWS: $240.00 •Scoshe Amp Power Kit: $60 Total: $899.94 Techic's Set Up #1 •SSMB8 woofers: $170 •Cleansweep: $199.95 •Pioneer GM 4 Channel AMP: $140 •Stereo Harness: $65 •Scoshe Amp Power Kit: $60 Total: $634.95 Technic's Set Up #2 •SWS Earthquake Subs: $240 •clean sweep $200 •Arc mini 125.4 Amp $459.99 •custom harness $65 •Scoshe Amp Power Kit $60 Total: $1,024.99 I also looked in to your BimmerTech amp recommendation which would run me $1099. I also want to note that none of of the set ups besides Rocky's included the Scoshe Amp power kit, I just included it because I assumed it was necessary to get the whole set up running. I had no idea so many threads already existed on my issue, so thanks again for linking them. From what I've read, I would like to share my thoughts and see if you can help me a little more. First, do I really need the cleansweep? I know it helps fix the equalizer, but would that just help the speakers sound better or would it also apply to the subs? Since I already spent money on the speakers and tweeters and I'm really just concerned about the subs for now. Second, the reason I still haven't bought the bav sound ghost subs was the pricing, but now it seems that they are the cheapest option and easiest to install. Would just getting the ghost significantly fall behind all these other set ups you have recommended? And I guess for you to properly answer that, you would need to know my music taste and how much bass I like. As far as my music taste, I pretty much like all genres of music but the ones i find myself listening to the most are: Reggeaton, Hip-Hop, and alternative/ indie in that order. As for bass, I really like when you can feel the bass. With the stock subs you could only hear them (too much in some cases, it would rattle so much the song would barely be audible anymore!) The ghost subs claim to fix this, but then again it can all be marketing hype. Is it really necessary to get a 6 or 4 channel amp when I'm just working on the subs. While disconnecting my left sub I found out that the speakers also rely on the subs so right now the left side of my car is without audio, so I can see why maybe 4-6 channel amp would be necessary. Thank you once again, I really apreciate the help. |
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08-07-2017, 12:41 PM | #4 |
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When you read those links you have to look at the date on them.
Some of the stuff will no longer be available or has been replaced by different or better stuff. Like the clean sweep .(you might be able to get one used though) You seem to be on the right track You need to seperate the doors from the floors which are wired in parallel in the base system. Each speaker position should get its own channel if you don't want to amp the rears that is OK . The stereo purists here say rear speakers are a waist . Technic makes a harness that will do this and run amps . He makes three different ones so you need to buy the correct one based on what you want to do. Yes you really should amp the front doors and floors separately the head unit power will never be satisfying especialy with aftermarket speaker of any quality. I think Technic also has a Power Kit. https://technicpnp.com/ Technics products are BMW specific. The MB quart BMW speaker kit used to be the low priced solution for the fronts. They have a new model out now. Last edited by ctuna; 08-07-2017 at 12:55 PM.. |
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08-08-2017, 01:15 AM | #5 |
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Alright thank you for your help. I have thought about it and I'm thinking about this set up and would like to know if it would work and what additional materials i would need for the installation.
JL Audio XD 600/6 https://www.amazon.com/XD600-Audio-6-Channel-Class-Amplifier/dp/B004E9QK3E Or JL Audio XD 400/4 http://m.soundoftristate.com/item/3132323936?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=EAIaIQ obChMI_frIzerG1QIVRl9-Ch1mDgFwEAQYByABEgIB8vD_BwE ( is it necessary to get the 4 channel amp when I'm only gonna be powering the two door speakers and the 2 subs for a total of 4 channels? Or is that not how it works) JL Audio CleanSweep https://creativeaudio.net/shop-by-brand/jl-audio/remanufactured/mobile/accessories/jl-audio-refurbished-cl441dsp-cleansweep-oem-audio-interface-with-automatic-digital-eq/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc&gclid=EAI aIQobChMIqY3Mkc3F1QIVHQoqCh3LdAA_EAkYASABEgIMUPD_B wE Technic 4/4 harness or if I'm going with th 6 channel amp do I need the 6/6 Earthquake SWS 8" sub https://www.amazon.com/Earthquake-Sound-SWS-8XI-Shallow-Subwoofer/dp/B00HLQ1VXG Scoshe amp wiring kit I couldn't find an amp power kit by technic so i will go with the schoshe one. I found one off Walmart for only 25 dollars! Will this work? https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-680W-8-Gauge-Wiring-Kit-for-Single-Amps/14667122 Will this be enough to complete the whole install? In the PDF it said I need a technic jumper for the subs? I don't know what that is or where to get one. This whole setup still will cost plenty quite a lot so any where that I can save money would be appreciated. For example I saw that in one of technics set up he used a pioneer 4 channel amp for 150 which is more than half price of the JL Audio. Thank you once again. |
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08-08-2017, 12:03 PM | #6 |
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I would go with 4 gauge wire.
If you route the power wires over the wheel wells and behind the seat you will need extra long wires. In the future it would be nice if you could provide active links when you reference something, Talk to technic look at his website he will clarify things for you .He used to sell a power wire kit. Be sure you can get all the parts before you order any if you are getting parts from multiple sources. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1329017429 I have a guide for Hi Fi installation of an xd kit some of the stuff will apply . The base system guide that I gave you is the best I have seen for base systems. Last edited by ctuna; 08-08-2017 at 12:18 PM.. |
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08-08-2017, 12:11 PM | #7 |
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Thank you and yea, I'm sorry about that, my computers intel dual band driver stopped working and it's currently in the procces of getting shipped back to Dell so I've been stuck doing all this on my phone and is probably why the links are not functioning as they should. My apologies about that.
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08-08-2017, 12:19 PM | #8 |
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08-09-2017, 03:20 PM | #9 | |
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Hi Golden Bimmer..
Sorry to throw myself in now at this stage. But it is vacation time, so I have not been in here some days now. I have to say as Ctuna, there are no need to do a shopping list based on the old threads you found. Most products are legacy products you have to find on ebay to copy them anyway. Use them for inspiration or to learn from others mistakes so you avoid the same mistakes. The shopping list below is fine, but it can be done much easier. Amplifier: Today there are no way around a DSP amplifier for best possible results. The Bimmertech are based on the 8 channel PP82 from audiotech fischer, but the Match PP62 is 6 channels exactly as you need, so go for that and make a connection with the Fakra connector and cable (all is available from Audiotec and is a true plug & play solution). You only need to pull new cables from the amplifier to the underseat woofers! There is no need for a technic cable in a base system. Woofers: If you are in for maximum punch, the there is no way past the SWS8 (take the 2 ohm version). Cables: You need a power & ground cable, a fuse solution. Then it is plug & play. Budget for this: Amplifier: ca. 550$ Subs: ca. 250$ Cables: 40$ Use some money for a good set of Morel 2 way 4" coax to the front (used) and spend the rest for pizza to a friend that will help the install. Once tuned with the DSP, I can assure you that this system will kick some 'axx' compared to all systems without DSP. If you later want to add a subwoofer, it is just to buy an amplifier and woofer. It can be connected and controlled by the PP62 and will work super! ![]() ///Chris Quote:
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08-09-2017, 03:35 PM | #10 |
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I agree with most above but the woofers. If you can find a set of logic 7 woofers they will blow the SWS woofers away with sound and power handling. I found that the SWS distort with anything under 50hz and any power over 85-90w rms. I successfully ran a pair of Logic 7 woofers for an extended period of time on 300w rms and the were very happy with the power. Now that I have installed my M Individual audio system in my car I would also say that the Individual audio subs are the cream of the crop of drop in woofers.
On a side note, you can get a full set of Gladen, MB Quart and I think Fosgate (other brands now too) for they will be a huge upgrade from the basic speakers.
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2009 118i Monaco Blue "Maximillion"
2009 335i Saphire Black M Sport "Leopold" Cobb stage 2 aggressive tune, Mishimoto FMIC, Cobb charge pipe, Cobb catted down pipes, Forge diverter valves, BMS inlets and DCI, Cyba scoops and M Individual Audio retrofit and M3 gauge cluster retrofit. 2011 328i Titan Silver M Sport "Franzel" <--Wife's car |
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08-09-2017, 09:33 PM | #11 |
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Thank you both, Chris and David. And chris, as far as joining too late, it's never too late to learn more and her more suggestions, so thank you. I still haven't ordered anything because as c tuna suggested, I want to make sure i will be able to get everything necessary before I order anything. As far as your suggestion, It seems really appealing and is likely to be what I end up going with. I will try to learn more about the logic 7 and SWS8 and see which one is better suited to what I like. Thank you all again.
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08-09-2017, 10:12 PM | #12 | |
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It seems audiotec doesn't ship to the us as there is no option to order one on their website, but I did manage to find one off Ebay. However, I haven't been able to find the Fakra conectors.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCH-PP-62D...38.m2548.l4275 Quote:
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08-10-2017, 12:29 AM | #13 |
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Well those are the accumulated knowledge on this board and
they were used as examples of what could be done. See if you can supply a list that long. It was more for getting an idea of how to approach it . The OP seems to be looking for a budget system which is hard to do on one of these. I did suggest a Bimmertech Helix 82dsp as a plug and play solution. |
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08-10-2017, 02:56 PM | #14 | |
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no worries mate - the bimmertech is good, but you pay for more than needed here.
the PP62 is also smaller and easier to install in this case. ![]() Quote:
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08-10-2017, 03:05 PM | #15 | |
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super you found the amplifier!
The connector for behind the radio is looking like this, then it is plug & play. Unfortunately for the full plug & play it is a 'base system' you have, so no chance for using the Bimmertech amplifier anyway. ![]() ///Chris Quote:
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08-10-2017, 10:27 PM | #16 |
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https://www.crutchfield.com/g_370750...de-Cables.html
This is the only harness I could find. Crutchfield matched it to the amp and my car so I would just like to know if this is the right one? They also sell the match pp62dsp however at 750 usd ![]() |
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08-12-2017, 01:49 AM | #17 |
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08-12-2017, 02:24 AM | #18 |
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With the Bimmertech you get the harness and a recode to
Hi Fi as well as a tune and some support. For some people that is worth the extra money. A harness that goes all the way to the trunk. |
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08-26-2017, 08:00 PM | #20 |
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I finally went through with ordering all the parts. I have received my sws-8s and should receive the match pp62dsp by late this week, early next week. I just need one last part. Does anyone know if technic still sells those jumpers so I wont lose audio to my speakers?
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08-27-2017, 10:23 AM | #22 |
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Thanks ctuna for the quick relpy! however, I'm still having trouble finding it. I've been looking for it on there the past few days but all I've found is an installation ring, but this is not what I want since I want the sub to be powered by the matchpp62dsp, not the head unit.
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